Early first-half goals from trialist Hassan Ayari and Leojo Davidson saw Sheffield Wednesday defeat Crewe Alexandra at Reaseheath in the Under-21 Professional Development League this afternoon.
Manager Michael Jackson named captain Dave Richards in goal behind a back 4 of Sam Bhatti, Harvey Washington, Lewis Billington and Charlie Finney. In front of them were Khanya Leshabela and Regan Griffiths with Oli Finney, Charlie Colkett and Matus Holicek playing behind Max Woodcock. Ty Webster, Owen Lunt, Harrison Bebbington, Calum Agius and goalkeeper Tom Booth were on the bench.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 4th minute with Tunisian attacking midfielder Ayari beating Richards before the lead was doubled 3 minutes later with forward Davidson smashing the ball in from just inside the area. Oli Finney had the Alex’s first effort on 14 minutes as his effort was saved by Luke Jackson before Griffiths would also be denied by the Owls number 1 midway through the half. Colkett would have the next effort saved by the young keeper before the midfielder hit the post with a free-kick just before the break.
O. Finney would miss the target on the hour mark as would Washington with the defender heading a corner wide of the goal 10 minutes later. The Reds would hit the post for a second time as the elder Finney brother would also curl a free-kick against the woodwork.
The next games at this level see the Alex travelling to Watford on Tuesday 29th November before a trip to Coventry City after the Xmas break on Tuesday 10th January – both are 1:00 pm kick-offs.
Crewe: Richards (c); Bhatti, Washington, Billington, C. Finney (Bebbington 74); Leshabela, Griffiths; O. Finney, Colkett (Lunt 52), Holicek (Agius 52); Woodcock
Sheff Wed: Jackson, Fusire, Sesay, Chapman, Adetoro, Maltby, Glover (c), Dunn, Davidson, Ayari, Moses
